The United midfielder had not played since Nov 22 last year after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.

The 28-year-old played the final 30 minutes in front of a packed Pittodrie that saw goals from Jonny Hayes and Joe Shaughnessy give the home side victory over Sir Alex Ferguson's men, for whom Anderson scored a consolation in the closing stages.

"He's got to the stage now where he feels he needs a game. I let him join Scotland this week but he wanted a game so I said: 'Come to Aberdeen and join up afterwards'.

Simpson, who was a member of Ferguson's Aberdeen team that won the Cup Winners' Cup in 1983, was given a standing ovation as he kicked the match off before being replaced with less than 30 seconds gone.

Nevertheless, his cameo appearance was enough to earn him that man-of-the-match award.

He joked afterwards: "I didn't put a foot wrong so that's probably why I got the award. I would have loved to have played more but I'm getting an operation on my back on Sep 1 and unfortunately on the surgeon's advice I got told not to bother.

"It was a fantastic night and I absolutely loved it. A few times during the week I was quite emotional about the whole thing.

"I didn't bubble or anything but there were times that I probably could have.

"The game was like a testimonial game in terms of tempo but it was great to see these type of players at Pittodrie.

"Thirty years ago we were that type of player and playing at the heights of Europe. It was a great night and I thoroughly enjoyed it."